Written questions by Byrne.

Whether he plans to review the export control licensing process for vessel based armouries.

As with all export licences, the Department for Business and Trade keeps the licensing of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Sector under continual review.

If he will make it his policy that vessel based armouries export licence applications should include an assessment of available alternative licensed storage facilities in the event that a licence is (a) suspended and (b) revoked.

The Open General Trade Control Licence, which UK Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) require for Maritime Anti-Piracy (MAP) operations, once granted, is open-ended for as long as the PMSC remains active in the MAP sector and is abiding by the terms of the licence. Licences can include provision for the storage of arms in approved land-based armouries as an alternative storage facility.

What assessment his Department has made of the impact of US Executive Order 14105, entitled Executive Order on Addressing United States Investments in Certain National Security Technologies and Products in Countries of Concern, implemented on 9 August 2023, on UK businesses.

The Department for Business and Trade continues to engage closely with the US Government on potential national security risks posed by Outward Direct Investment. It will have an extra territorial impact, which may impact some UK businesses. The Department for Business and Trade is engaging with UK businesses and financial stakeholders to ensure they are considering the extra territorial impact of such regulations before the Executive Order 14105 comes into effect on 2 January 2025.

With reference to section 1.3 2. of the UK-US Atlantic Declaration, what progress his Department has made on engaging with (a) business and (b) financial stakeholders to develop an evidence base to (i) assess and (ii) inform the Government’s response to the risks associated with outbound investment.

The Department for Business and Trade is engaging with businesses and financial stakeholders to better understand the potential national security risk posed by outward direct investment in sensitive sectors. In May, the Cabinet Office issued public guidance on how the existing National Security and Investment Act powers allow the Government to intervene in certain outward direct investment transactions. In addition, the National Protective Security Agency and National Cyber Security Centre are updating their Secure Business campaign to include advice on risks relating to ODI.

With reference to section 1.3 2. of the UK-US Atlantic Declaration, what discussions his Department has had with US counterparts on the coordination of UK and US outbound investment controls.

The United Kingdom and United States have a shared objective in preventing our companies’ capital and expertise from fuelling technological advances that will enhance the military and intelligence capabilities of countries of concern. The Department for Business and Trade continues to engage with the US Government on potential national security risks posed by Outward Direct Investment.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act on UK businesses.

We have engaged with UK businesses across a range of sectors to understand their concerns about the potential impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act on UK industry. We have also engaged with the US on UK industry views across multiple channels on this issue, including in 2022 in response to the US Treasury consultation on the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, and remain committed to defending the interests of UK businesses.

With reference to Section 1.3 2. of the UK-US Atlantic Declaration, what progress he has made on (a) enabling the UK and US export controls toolkits to work in a complementary way, (b) implementing export controls related to certain sensitive technologies, (c) targeting end-uses of concern, and (d) tackling the challenge of intangible transfers.

We are committed to ensuring our export controls develop to address risks to national security and international peace and security posed by emerging technologies, while supporting UK exporters in strategically important sectors. Building on the commitments in the UK-US Atlantic Declaration, defence trade collaboration between the UK, US, and Australia was announced in August 2024, through the publication of the UK’s AUKUS Nations Open General Licence, and the new exemption to the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) for the UK. This development recognised the compatibility of our respective export controls systems, lifting key restrictions and allowing our defence firms to work together even more closely. In line with our commitments in the Atlantic Declaration, the UK is also working closely with our partners on the challenge of intangible transfers and targeting of end-uses users of concern.

What the cost is of legal fees related to Post Office IT Horizon redress paid to external law firms by (a) scheme and (b) firm.

The Department for Business and Trade delivers the Group Litigation Order (GLO) scheme and the recently-launched Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS).Since the launch of the GLO scheme in March 2023, a total of c.£2.9 million has been spent on legal advice to the Department on settling the redress claims of postmasters in the GLO scheme. A further c.£12.5 million has been spent on support for victims’ legal fees. Since the launch of the HCRS scheme in July 2024, a total of c.£100k has been spent on legal services to the Department in the setting up of the HCRS scheme. Approximately c.£360k has been spent on victims’ legal fees. A detailed breakdown of legal fees paid by law firm and scheme is provided below: Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS) Victims’ legal costs £000Hudgell Solicitors£360Sub-total: Victims’ legal costs£360The Department’s legal costs £000Addleshaw Goddard LLP£45Dentons UK & Middle East LLP£55Sub-total: The Department’s legal costs£100 Total legal fees under HCRS £000£460 Group Litigation Order Scheme (GLO)Victims’ legal costs £000Freeths LLP£10,888Howe and Co Solicitors£1,545Other: under £30k per supplier£52Sub-total: Victims’ legal costs£12,485The Department’s legal costs £000Addleshaw Goddard LLP£1,675Dentons UK and Middle East LLP£1,060Secondees contracted to Government Legal Department£121Sub-total: The Department’s legal costs£2,925Total legal fees under GLO £000£15,410 The figures above exclude recoverable VAT. Figures from April 2023 are subject to audit and may change. On the Overturned Convictions (OC) & Historical Shortfalls (HSS) schemes, this is a matter for the Post Office. I have asked them to write to my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Member for Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North, and a copy of their correspondence will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.